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Table-top action returns in the latest sim from 21st Century. Simon Byron likes a good fantasy so with his fingers on the flippers he returns to the table in an effort to prove that he's a right 'Pinball Wizard'

Pinball Dreams went down a right storm earlier on in the year. A surprise hit, everyone knew that 21st Century wouldn't be foolish enough not to capitalise on the enthusiasm they'd drummed up. Not content with simply releasing data-disks, they've completely redesigned the game with four new and interesting tables and a wealth of not-included-before features.

The tables are presented the same as before with the screen scrolling vertically to accommodate the whole playing area. Once again up to eight players can participate in each game providing a real party-type atmosphere, especially when combined with a few beers. That's all there is to say, really, as when all's said and done, it's a pinball game, okay?

I must admit to being a huge fan of Pinball Dreams so I was really looking forward to Fantasies. The big question is, of course, does it improve on the original? Well, to be honest with you I'm in two minds. The scoreboard - with its all-new 'pixely' effect - definitely looks better and the graphical displays that pop up are excellent.

Sometimes, though, these messages are so lengthy (in game terms) that when they appear the first time you find yourself paying attention whilst the ball promptly disappears. Frustrating to say the least. What's the point in telling somebody that they now have a chance to go for a huge bonus when, by scrolling the message slowly across the display, the ball is already lost - meaning the bonus has to be re-earnt?

Admittedly once the message has been seen once you're not likely to pay too much attention to it again but it is still mildly annoying. The extra flippers are a bonus and offer the extra challenge of the sideways 'loops' but some of the tables appear more cluttered due these extra obstacles and at times it can become unclear as to where the ball actually needs to go.

These slight criticisms may sound harsh but they're not intended to be, after all the original gameplay is still all there and that's what made the first Pinball such a success. As to whether you should buy this if you already own the first game... Well, I'd say yes but only if you were really impressed by the first. Of course, if you don't own Pinball Dreams then this might be a fine time to discover what you missed.